United States of America

Thirty Sixth Congress

                                                            Washington City Jany 29 1861

 

Dear Father

                        We are all quite well except Sarah who for a few days has been unwell but is now restored. We are all in a feverish state of excitement here. Conspiracy and Treason is the order of the day. The cotton states are all out but Texas & I suppose she will go and they will stay out until a destruction of trade in their ports will bring them to their senses. The Border states are clamoring for compromise & rather expect they will get something of the kind though it shall not be with my vote. It looks as if Corwins proportions might be coopted / for the admission of New Mexico white slavery and all If however there should be a collision of arms, it will with all compromises be knocked in the head. There has been serious cause of anxiety about the safety of the capitol as beyond doubt Wise has been arranging for a sudden capture and even yet there is much alarm though the feeling to day is that Gen^l Scott will have soldiers enough here to protect the city but there are not men enough yet under arms. We would like to see you & mother here, but not for ten days to come by that time things will either be in a quiet condition or be worse

 

The Post master Gen^l says the capitol will in all probability be seized some night within ten days. /

 

in this state of uncertainty you would have but little pleasure here. I do not mean that you would be in personal danger but you would not enjoy the visit as you would like. The very fact that the organisation is secret gives me to anxiety so great is it not a bill passed the [?] signing the military officers of the District to take a new oath of allegiance It is a fearful crisis, but it is a time for trust in God. I feel perfectly secure only in standing by the right & whatever will be the consequence I know it will not be wrong.

 

                                                                                                Your son

                                                                                                            Steel

All are long, long ago abed

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